Easy Chicken Broth Recipe

Discover the secret to a soul-warming, nutrient-packed chicken broth that will elevate your cooking and boost your health. This homemade chicken broth recipe is not just a simple soup base—it's a culinary tradition that brings comfort and incredible flavor to your kitchen. Whether you're a home cook looking to improve your dishes or someone seeking a nutritious, healing meal, this bone broth soup recipe is your perfect go-to.

Why Chicken Broth Recipe?

Chicken broth has been a staple in kitchens worldwide for generations. Rich in minerals, collagen, and essential nutrients, it's more than just a soup ingredient—it's a wellness elixir. During cold seasons or when you're feeling under the weather, a warm mug of homemade chicken broth can provide comfort and nourishment.

Ingredients

• 3-4 pounds chicken bones (mix of wings, backs, and feet for best flavor)
• 2 large onions, quartered
• 3 carrots, rough chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
• 2-3 sprigs of fresh thyme
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Cold water to cover
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish

Ingredient Substitutions

• For a low-sodium version, skip added salt
• Vegetable alternatives: Use leeks or fennel for depth of flavor
• Gluten-free: All ingredients are naturally gluten-free

Equipment

• Large stockpot or slow cooker
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Large glass jars or containers for storage
• Optional: Cheesecloth for extra-clear broth.

Instructions

Prepare the Bones

• Roast chicken bones at 400°F for 30-45 minutes to enhance flavor
• This step caramelizes the bones, creating a deeper, richer taste

Build the Broth Base

• Place roasted bones in stockpot
• Add chopped vegetables, herbs, and peppercorns
• Pour in cold water until ingredients are fully covered
• Add apple cider vinegar (helps extract nutrients from bones)

Slow Simmer

• Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to lowest heat
• Simmer for 12-24 hours, skimming any foam that forms
• Longer cooking time extracts more nutrients and flavor

Strain and Store

• Remove from heat and let cool slightly
• Strain through fine-mesh strainer
• Discard solids
• Store in airtight containers in refrigerator

Hints and Tips

• For a clearer broth, strain through cheesecloth
• Skim fat from top once cooled for a leaner broth
• Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy use

Dietary Benefits

• High in protein
• Rich in minerals like calcium and magnesium
• Supports gut health
• Low-carb and keto-friendly
• Naturally gluten-free

Storage

• Refrigerate for up to 5 days
• Freeze for up to 3 months
• Store in glass or freezer-safe containers
• Leave 1-inch space at top for expansion when freezing

Variations

• Instant Pot method: Pressure cook for 2-3 hours
• Vegetable broth variation: Replace chicken bones with mixed vegetables
• Add turmeric for anti-inflammatory benefits
• Experiment with different herb combinations

FAQ

Creating your own chicken broth is a rewarding, simple process that transforms ordinary ingredients into a nutritious, flavorful liquid gold. With just a few steps, you'll have a versatile base for soups, stews, and countless other dishes. Give it a try and taste the difference homemade makes!

Related

Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:

Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Broth Recipe

Chicken Broth Recipe

Homemade chicken broth is a nutrient-rich, flavorful liquid made by slowly simmering chicken bones, vegetables, and herbs for 12-24 hours. It creates a versatile base for soups and dishes, packed with minerals and healing properties, and can be easily stored in the refrigerator or freezer.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Soup

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Chicken Broth Recipe

Prep Time: 17 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 19 hours hours

Total Time: 19 hours hours 17 minutes minutes

Servings: 9 cups of chicken broth

Calories: 50kcal

Cost: $7

Equipment

• Large stockpot or slow cooker
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Cheesecloth (optional)
• Glass storage containers
• Cutting board
• Chef's knife
• Measuring spoons
• Roasting pan

Ingredients

For the Broth

• 3-4 pounds chicken bones mix of wings, backs, feet
• 2 large onions quartered
• 3 carrots chopped
• 3 celery stalks chopped
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 tablespoon whole black peppercorns
• 2-3 fresh thyme sprigs
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• Cold water to cover

Optional Garnish

• Fresh parsley chopped

Optional Flavor Boosters

• 1-2 cloves garlic
• 1- inch piece of ginger
• Salt to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Bones

• Preheat oven to 400°F
• Spread chicken bones on roasting pan
• Roast for 30-45 minutes until golden brown

Build Broth Base

• Transfer roasted bones to large stockpot
• Add chopped vegetables, herbs, peppercorns
• Pour cold water to cover ingredients
• Add apple cider vinegar

Slow Simmer

• Bring to gentle boil
• Reduce heat to lowest setting
• Simmer 12-24 hours
• Skim foam occasionally
• Do not stir; allow gentle extraction of nutrients

Strain and Finish

• Remove from heat
• Let cool 30-60 minutes
• Strain through fine-mesh strainer
• Discard solids
• Optional: Strain again through cheesecloth for clarity

Storage

• Transfer to airtight containers
• Refrigerate up to 5 days
• Freeze up to 3 months
• Leave 1-inch space in containers for expansion

Notes

• Use fresh bones
• Roast for deeper flavor
• Low, slow cooking extracts nutrients
• Skim foam for clarity
• Vinegar helps mineral extraction
• Flexible bone choices
• Adjust herbs
• Vegetable variations welcome

Nutrition

Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 9g | Cholesterol: 11mg | Sodium: 250mg

Don’t miss our Chicken Casserole recipe! It’s creamy, comforting, and packed with tender chicken and veggies—perfect for a family dinner.